SUCCESS STORIES
Adele came to Open Door Group in July 2010. Adele's barriers to employment were dealing with extreme anxiety in her job search, and also not having worked in the last 10 years. Adele felt that she would be able to obtain a volunteer position with the help of Open Door Group. After partaking in some communication workshops and one-on-one meetings with the ERW, Adele was ready to begin her volunteer search.
Adele's EPS suggested working in a senior's home since Adele wanted to help others. The EPS emailed the Lions Care Centre and introduced Adele. The EPS had Adele do many mock interviews as a stepping point before having to attend a real interview. Adele received a call from Lions Care Centre that they would like to meet her. Adele asked for the EPS to accompany her to the interview and was there for moral support for Adele in case she needed any extra assistance. After a successful interview Adele was offered a volunteer position assisting the nurses and care aids when it came to elder care. Adele took on the role of a volunteer with great exuberance and energy. Her ability to work well in a team, show leadership skills, and being empathetic to others needs has shown the management at Lions Care that her abilities are unique and needed. Recently Adele was offered a paid position at Lions Care Centre and will be moving into a new position as an employee and not a volunteer. Open Door Group will support and assist Adele as she moves into her new role with Lions Care Centre.
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Andrew came to the Open Door Group to get assistance with finding a dishwashing position in the Richmond area. He expressed his ideal job would be at the airport in a unionized environment, however was willing to apply for positions within easy accessibility to transit. With the assistance of his EPS, Andrew went to the airport and applied for many positions including one at HMS Host, who owns restaurants like White Spot, Le Palomino, and Milestones.
HMS Host hired him to be a dishwasher at Le Palomino restaurant within the secured area of the terminal after successfully interviewing the Executive Chef and the restaurant division manager. Andrew has enjoyed working at the airport three days a week and coming in and covering shifts as needed. Andrew has received glowing reviews from his employers including comments like "we wish we had ten of him" and stating he's a "hard worker who enjoys helping other people". Andrew has successfully worked in other restaurants at the airport including Milestones where he has done an exceptional job staying on top of his work load with a smile on his face.
Andrew thinks the help he received from Open Door Group was "very good" and he received encouragement and support while looking for a job including: attending workshops, gaining assistance with utilizing the computer while applying jobs, assistance with interviews, as well as his EPS attending his first few days of training to ensure a smooth transition for Andrew into employment. Additionally Andrew obtained check lists for preparing for work daily as well as attending the Job Retention workshop, which has assisted with the success of gaining meaningful and sustainable employment.